I’ve googled most of the ribbons but was unable to find the middle left and top left ones.

Man does a tremendous amount of work to honor vets in his community.

Edit: oh fuck that’s a silver star

  • jws_shadotak@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    Left middle is a freebie for global war on terrorism national defense. it’s given to anyone who enlisted from like 2008 to just last year served during wartime. Also known as the McDonald’s.

    The dude is credible.

    Edit: yeah I got the name wrong but it’s a generic “you served during this time” type ribbon

      • TwoBeeSan@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        0·
        2 months ago

        Man has mentioned that during a mission in laos during Vietnam that his friends saved his life and are why he is alive today. Was giving a presentation about his service and said “they’ll say we weren’t there but we were.” In the most matter o fact way.

        Hearing an 80 year old vet say “he was my friend” through tears is something you never forget.

        Unsure of after nam career. Has never come up naturally.

        • verity_kindle@sh.itjust.worksMEnglish
          1·
          2 months ago

          See, that anecdote makes me more skeptical. “Missions in Laos [or Cambodia] with no records” is a frequent trope for fake combat vets or real vets who are exaggerating their combat records. They lean on it, because few have the background to call them on their stories. It’s easy to use it as a crutch and an excuse for missing documentation or lack of corroboration.

  • smitty053@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    It’s a little weird for him to be a supply officer (shoulder boards) and have a Seal pin. Lower two rows are out of order. Seal pins started in 1970, but he has one from his relatively short stint (only an LTJG).